Does anyone add extra perlite, etc to branded soil mixes, as standard practice?

As title says, I'm just wondering if many indoor growers who buy brand name/pre-made soil mixes ever add extra perlite/pebbles, etc for drainage?

Ive always used Biobizz Allmix, as happy with results, but have started thinking recently I wouldn't mind it draining/drying abit quicker, plus since winters cold temps in my flat usually inihibit drainage too, then I wouldn't mind possibly pre-empting that also.

So just wondered, have I been missing a trick and this is standard practice when buying shop soils?

Thanks in advance!

I used to with fox farm years ago. roots organic and pro mix have plenty.I started buidling my own soil years ago too..

hyroot said:

I used to with fox farm years ago. roots organic and pro mix have plenty.I started buidling my own soil years ago too..

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That's cool cheers dude - I'm starting to think I should do.

I am also inspired by the self made soil mixes I've read on here, but i live in a flat in a tower block and I barely got clean & useable space for potting up outta 1 bag, let alone mixing loadsa bags in a drum! Though when I'm in better house, I would love to get into individual mixes!

RedWhiteBlueGreen said:

That's cool cheers dude - I'm starting to think I should do.

I am also inspired by the self made soil mixes I've read on here, but i live in a flat in a tower block and I barely got clean & useable space for potting up outta 1 bag, let alone mixing loadsa bags in a drum! Though when I'm in better house, I would love to get into individual mixes!

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You don't have to mix a bunch of bags. I do 2 cu ft at a time in a rubber maid. I'm in condo so I'm limited on space too. Just break it down to the amounts you need. My buddy just did a soil mix yesterday using one bag of roots organic, a bag of worm castings and a bag of compost and nutes. He just mixed a little at a time per my instructions..,


I use peat moss, coco, pumice, worm castings, compost for the base

then per cu ft
1/2 cup alfalfa meal
1/2 cup crab meal
1/2 cup kelp meal
1/4 cup neem meal
4 cups of basalt and /or glacial rock dust.

mix together and water and let sit for 2-4 weeks. Mixing up every few days.

That's cool cheers Hyroot - much appreciated man!

RedWhiteBlueGreen said:

As title says, I'm just wondering if many indoor growers who buy brand name/pre-made soil mixes ever add extra perlite/pebbles, etc for drainage?

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Yes I do.

I buy the Fox farm lines of soil. I usually get the ocean forest and happy frog, and use the light warrior to REALLY loosen it up. It gives the soil a really airy, light texture

That's cool cheers guys - it will be my new standard practice from now on then!

I think the other trouble was that I often shake up bigger bags to mix it up, but the lighter, bigger perlite grains then seem to migrate upwards so by the time u get to using the bottom of the bag there's less perlite left in the mix.